They turned away and talked on trivial matters, and laughed, and presently fell silent again.
"Elizabeth," said Arthur suddenly, "I wish you didn't scare me so."
"Do I? I'm very much gratified to hear it. I had no idea I inspired awe in any mortal."
"Well—that isn't at all a suitable reply to my remark. I wanted you to assure me that there was no need to be scared."
"There isn't. What can I do for you? Ask and I shall grant it, even to the half of my kingdom."
"When we get this job over may I come straight to you?"
Elizabeth had no coyness in her nature, and she now turned her grey eyes—not mocking now but soft and shining—on the anxious face of her companion and said:
"Indeed, my dear, you may. Just as straight as you can come, and I shall be waiting for you on the doorstep. It has taken a European war to make me realize it, but you are the only man in the world so far as I am concerned."
Some time later Arthur said, "I'm going away extraordinarily happy. By Jove, I ought to be some use at fighting now"; and he laughed boyishly.
"Oh, don't," said Elizabeth. "You've reminded me, and I was trying to make believe you weren't going away. I'm afraid—oh! Arthur, I'm horribly afraid, that you won't be allowed to come back, that you will be snatched from me——"